Parking prompts fears for safety

Parking at Coopies Haugh in Morpeth.

Published:01:00Sunday 19 February 2012

SAFETY concerns have been raised about problem parkers in a section of the Coopies Lane Industrial Estate in Morpeth.

Cars and vans are stopping on the pavement on both sides of the road in Coopies Haugh, which some believe could lead to someone getting seriously hurt unless something is done to deal with the situation.

One worker on the estate, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Some of the businesses in Coopies Haugh have no parking provision so quite a few vehicles are parking on the street, but in doing so they are completely blocking the pavements.

“This means in some areas you have to walk in the middle of the road to get about, which is extremely dangerous. It’s an accident waiting to happen if nothing is done.

“I’ve raised the issue with Northumberland County Council and hopefully some action will be taken.

“It doesn’t matter to these people how they park as long as they can get into work.”

The county council is to take over the enforcement of on-street parking regulations from Northumbria Police in April. Police officers will retain the power to enforce obstructive parking.

A spokeswoman for the unitary authority said: “We have received these comments and are looking into the issue.”